Counseling Psychology, MS

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) at California Baptist University (CBU) is designed for those who wish to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical experience to counsel in a variety of settings. Catering to a diverse range of professional and personal goals, the MSCP program offers a curriculum that academically prepares students for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure, as well as additional optional coursework to meet the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) licensure coursework requirements, and an optional concentration in Forensic Psychology. Additionally, the MSCP program can be paired with the Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry.

Students graduating with a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology will have completed a curriculum designed to meet the post-2012 requirements for MFT licensing as mandated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). The program emphasizes an understanding of human behavior based on psychological theory and practice, as well as scriptural principles. The graduate program relates academic studies to practical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Students in the program will have the opportunity to receive clinical experience on campus and/or in other appropriate clinical settings.

In order to satisfy the academic requirements for the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) license, the student must complete the Counseling Psychology (MFT) program courses and the additional Professional Clinical Counselor courses.

Students choosing the optional additional Forensic Psychology concentration will be prepared to function as effective clinicians in a variety of professional counseling and forensic settings by completing the MSCP program courses and the additional Forensic Psychology concentration courses.

See the Graduate Student Handbook available from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences for program details of the concentration.

Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Admission Requirements

Admission standards for graduate studies at California Baptist University can be found in the Admissions section of the University Catalog. Admission to the Counseling Psychology program at California Baptist University is at the discretion of the graduate faculty. Specific application requirements for the Counseling Psychology program are:

Grade Point Average
- A minimum 3.0 GPA for unconditional admission
- Applicants with a 2.75 or lower GPA may be considered for conditional acceptance upon consideration of entire admissions application
Prerequisites
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the evaluated equivalency
- Completion of a non-Psychology Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation - or the evaluated equivalency - and undergraduate prerequisite requirements (3-12 semester units), as determined by the program director
- Outstanding prerequisite coursework must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate enrollment
Two recommendations, completed on forms provided, from sources who can address your potential for success. It is preferred at least one recommendation be from a professor or instructor. Family members and friends may not complete recommendations.
Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that includes the following:
- Purpose for entering the program
- Experiences that have directed your interest toward becoming a therapist
- Religious background, present pattern of spiritual growth, fundamentals of personal faith and the relationship between your faith and professional goals
- Reasons for choosing to study at California Baptist University
- Influences that have shaped your present values and approach to life
Successful interview(s) with the Director of the Counseling Psychology program

Program Requirements (60-84 units)

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program is the oldest master’s program at CBU. This prestigious faith based degree equips students with the ability to reconcile and restore relationships affecting individuals, couples and families. Seasoned core faculty teach from a biblically rooted perspective enabling students to address mental, emotional and spiritual needs in the community. The MSCP program offers a curriculum that academically prepares students for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure, as well as additional optional coursework to meet the Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) licensure coursework requirements. The program is widely recognized and highly respected by public, private and faith based agencies throughout the Inland Empire community.

Optional Professional Clinical Counselor Requirements (6 units)

The Professional Clinical Counselor coursework, when added to the core MSCP program requirements, meet the academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) in California. Students who elect to complete this coursework will also be required to complete a higher number of practicum hours to meet the BBS clinical hour requirements for the PCC license.

Comprehensive Examination

Students in the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program will be required to successfully pass a comprehensive examination prior to graduation. The exam will be taken concurrent with the Practicum during the last year of the program. Students may retake the exam once to remediate any deficiency. There is a $125 fee associated with the exam administration and scoring.

Optional Concentration Requirements

Students may, in addition to the core requirements, complete an optional concentration in Forensic Psychology.

Forensic Psychology (18 units)

Core Requirements

Elective Requirements

Complete two (2) of the following courses:

Psychotherapy Requirement

Students entering the graduate program in Counseling Psychology (MFT) at California Baptist University will be required to complete twenty-four (24) hours of individual psychotherapy or fifty (50) hours of group psychotherapy with a licensed psychotherapist or a registered Associate. This therapy must be done outside the campus community and may not include therapists who have any teaching relationship with California Baptist University.

Students completing the psychotherapy requirement may obtain the psychotherapy form from the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.

Practicum Admission

Students entering the three semester Practicum requirement course sequence occurring in the last year of the student’s program must meet the following requirements:

Admission to Practicum will be a faculty decision based on grades, evaluation of the Practicum application, and placement approval.
An interview by the program faculty to further evaluate the applicant’s readiness may be required.
A written appeal process will be instituted in the event that a student is not considered ready for Practicum.